Content

• Dakar-2026 in the language of numbers: statistics and historical developments
• Ukrainian engineer and Canadian Ford Bronco
• Heroism and curiosities: when technology gives up and people don't
• 3 main conclusions for preparing your car based on the results of Dakar-2026
• 1. Protection of aggregates is the foundation
• 2. The suspension decides the fate of the expedition
• 3. Autonomy in salvation
• Dakar 2026 winners in key classes
• Finish

The 48th Dakar Rally, which thundered in the deserts of Saudi Arabia from January 3 to 17, has already been dubbed the "race of millimeters." The more than 8,000 kilometers of the route from Yanbu to Bishi and back became not only a test of metal, but also the stage for the most dramatic finals in motorsport history.

The Vnedorognik.ua team carefully followed the course of events not only for the sake of emotions. We have analyzed how cars behave in extreme conditions to form the right conclusions for preparing your SUVs. What did this Dakar race show? Let's look at the numbers and facts.

Dakar-2026 in the language of numbers: statistics and historical developments

This year's marathon broke stereotypes about the hegemony of old brands.

Dacia is rewriting history:The main sensation of the year is the victory he won Nasser Al-Attiyain the Ultimate class. This is the first title for the Dacia brand at the Dakar. The Qatari won his sixth "Golden Bedouin", proving that the new prototypeDacia Sandrider(essentially a modified Prodrive Hunter without the problematic wheel covers) more reliable than Audi's technological monsters and the fast but less stable Ford Raptor.

Triumphant debut of Defender:A revolution took place in the Stock class (serial cars). For the first time, the factory Defender team entered the starting line and immediately won, interrupting the long-term dominance of Toyota Land Cruiser. Lithuanian Rokas Bacyushka led the closest pursuer (also on Defender) by almost 4 hours.

2 seconds:It was such a gap that decided the fate of the gold in the Dakar motorcycle class. Argentinian Luciano Benavides (KTM) snatched the victory from Ricky Brabek (Honda) in the final kilometers. This is the tightest finish in the history of rally raids.

Finishers:Out of 317 crews, 247 vehicles made it to the finish line in Yanbu, which shows the extremely high pace of the race.

Ukrainian engineer and Canadian Ford Bronco

Among the interesting events of the secondary plan, it is worth noting the finish of the first Canadian team in history atFord Bronco Raptor(59th place). Technical support for this practically serial car was provided by a Ukrainian rally engineerMykhailo Onufriychuk. The SUV received only the required safety frame and special off-road wheels. The fact that an almost stock car covered the entire distance is an excellent indicator of reliability and proper preparation of nodes.

Heroism and curiosities: when technology gives up and people don't

These Dakar races will be remembered not only for victories, but also for non-standard decisions of pilots in hopeless situations.

Thermal cloth instead of tire.Motorcyclist Skyler House showed real ingenuity. On the 5th stage, the mousse (filler) melted in his wheel due to the heat. To get to the finish line, he cut the sleeves off his thermal suit and stuffed them into a tire. This allowed him to finish, albeit with a loss of time.

The Benavides family line.For the first time in history, brothers won stages on the same day in different classes, with Luciano winning on a motorcycle and his brother Kevin Benavides winning a stage in the Challenger car class.

3 main conclusions for preparing your car based on the results of Dakar-2026

Analyzing the technical reports and problems faced by even top crews (such as Dakar motorcycle riders or truck pilots), we have formulated three golden rules of off-road preparation. These principles are relevant both for the desert and for the Ukrainian forest.

1. Protection of aggregates is the foundation

The rocky sections around Al Ula disabled more equipment than the sands. Punctured crankcases and damaged radiators stopped even the leaders.

Conclusions for civilian off-road:Standard plastic does not work. If you are driving off asphalt, the first step should be to install a full-fledged oneBottom protection. Steel or aluminum cover vulnerable components (engine, gearbox, transmission) from impacts. Also critically important arePower bumpers, which hold the impact and allow the use of a rail jack.

2. The suspension decides the fate of the expedition

Production cars (even cool ones like the Bronco) need chassis modifications. The marathon stages showed that standard shock absorbers overheat and lose efficiency after an hour of active driving over potholes.

Conclusions for civilian off-road:For stability and endurance, it is worth installing professional onesSuspension kits. Reinforced springs and shock absorbers with a large volume of lubricant ensure energy efficiency and do not "break through" under the weight of the equipped car.

3. Autonomy in salvation

Even in Dakar, where there are support helicopters, crews waited hours for help if they couldn't get out themselves. In real life, you can not wait for help at all.

Conclusions for civilian off-road:There should always be a self-rescue kit in the trunk.

• Rigging:Dynamic slings and forms are the minimum.
• Rail jacks (Hi-Lift):They allow you to lift the car from a deep rut or move it from an obstacle. It is a versatile tool that replaces a team of mechanics in the forest.

Dakar 2026 winners in key classes

Finish

Dakar-2026 proved that there are no trifles in motorsport. 2 seconds can separate the winner from the loser, and one reliable knot is the finish from the start of the distance.

The triumph of the serial Land Rover Defender in the Stock class and the successful finish of the Canadians on the Ford Bronco are inspiring: even a standard car can pass the most difficult route on the planet, if it is properly prepared. ExpertsVnedorognik.uaare ready to apply this experience to prepare your car for any challenge - from a fishing trip to a real expedition for the Dakar Cup.

Are you interested in the technical side of the medal?Find out why even professional equipment broke down in the desert, which nodes failed the favorites and how to avoid these problems on your own car. Read our detailed analysis: 👉Dakar-2026: Technical audit of the desert. Why professional tuning is not a luxury, but survival